Stronghand Shooting Range: A First Timer's Account

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Monday, June 22, 2015

I'm scared of a lot of things. I'm not the adventurous type. But whenever I'm given the opportunity to try something for the first time even if it scares the hell out of me, I'll do it. When I signed up for a shooting session at Stronghand Shooting Range, I was nervous and excited. Nervous because in the 38 years of my existence, I have never touched a real gun. And excited because I'll be going out of my comfort zone.

Stronghand Shooting Range is the first and only toxic-free indoor shooting range in the Philippines. The facility boasts of the NO AIRBORNE LEAD, NO SULPHUR DIOXIDE, NO BARIUM OXIDE and NO ANTIMONY OXIDE environment. The range is also equipped with HEPA filter and turbine air exchanger. Located along E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, La Defense building is approximately 10 minutes if you are coming from EDSA Cubao.

We were asked to register first before proceeding to the Gun Safety Training. The staff at Stronghand Shooting Range are very friendly and efficient. I started feeling comfortable.

No ID, No SHOOT Policy

Stronghand Shooting Range strictly implements the No ID, No SHOOT policy. Make sure that you bring with you a government-issued ID. Guests who are below 18 years of age can be accommodated provided they are accompanied by their parent/s.

Gun Safety Training

NROI Range Officer Benjamin Aura made sure that we are equipped with gun safety knowledge before we go to the shooting range.

Four Basic Cardinal Rules of Gun Safety

Consider all guns are always loaded.

Never let the muzzle of a gun point at anything that you do not intend to shoot.

Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire.

Be sure of your target and what lies beyond and around it before you shoot.

The Shooting Range

There are 18 bays available at Stronghand Shooting Range. And because this is a family-friendly facility and they value your safety, your loved ones can safely watch you through their 180 degrees viewing window.

The Experience

I got nervous again when I was handed out the gun and bullets. The nervousness was not because of the fear of the gun but more about the possibility that I might not hit anything on the target board. Talk about pressure!

Yeah! I'm loading the magazine :)

We are given twenty rounds. Ten rounds for the 5 meter distance and another ten rounds for the 10 meter distance.

After my first shot and saw that it was good, I was able to control the nerve and focus more on the target. The staff was there to make sure I'm doing ok.

10 rounds at 5 meters distance

The result is not impressive, I know. But I feel so proud of myself. I am so thankful to Ms. Jinky Tallod of RMDC for giving me this opportunity.

Is target shooting on your bucket list? Don't you think it's about time you cross that off? Or how about a fun shoot with your friends and co-workers?